Burrata Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Burrata Cheese?

Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese from Puglia with a pouch of stretched mozzarella curd around a filling of stracciatella and cream. Cut it open and the soft centre spills out, which is what it is known for.

What Is Provolone Cheese?

Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Provolone Cheese?

• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
• Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
• Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Provolone Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Burrata Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.

What is Burrata Cheese made of?

Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged within 48 hours. It originates in Italy.

What is Provolone Cheese made of?

Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.